ADA1O
Drama, 9
This course provides opportunities for students to explore dramatic forms and techniques, using material from a wide range of sources and cultures. Students will use the elements of drama to examine situations and issues that are relevant to their lives. Students will create, perform, discuss, and analyse drama. They will reflect on the experiences to develop an understanding of themselves, the art form, and the world around them.
Elective Course
Rockway Highlights:
- Learn and perform solo monologues, partner and groups scenes
- Study great performances from theatre and film
- Learn to create a character and emotionally prepare for a scene
- Receive and implement feedback to improve your craft
AMI1O / AMS1O
Instrumental Music - Band or Strings, 9
This course emphasizes the creation and performance of music at a level consistent with previous experience and is aimed at developing technique, sensitivity, and imagination. Students will develop musical literacy skills by using the creative and critical analysis processes in composition, performance, and a range of reflective and analytical activities. Students will develop an understanding of the conventions and elements of music and of safe practices related to music, and will develop a variety of skills transferable to other areas of life.
Elective Course / 1 Credit
Rockway Highlights:
- Play a string or wind instrument within an ensemble
- Develop ensemble skills including listening, tuning and watching
- Discuss current issues in music
- Perform at concerts throughout the school year
- Develop music literacy skills
NOTE: If chosen, Instrumental Music occurs throughout both semesters 1 and 2.
AMV1O
Music, 9
This course emphasizes the creation and performance of music at a level consistent with previous experience and is aimed at developing technique, sensitivity, and imagination. Students will develop musical literacy skills by using the creative and critical analysis processes in composition, performance, and a range of reflective and analytical activities. Students will develop an understanding of the conventions and elements of music and of safe practices related to music and will develop a variety of skills transferable to other areas of life.
Required Course / 1 Credit
Rockway Highlights:
- Develop vocal technique
- Explore a wide range of choral repertoire
- Perform at school concerts Reflect on personal performance
- Create music for a specific purpose Develop music literacy skills through the study of music theory
- Listen and respond appropriately to music from our community
AVI1O
Visual Art, 9
This course is exploratory in nature, offering an overview of visual arts as a foundation for further study. Students will become familiar with the elements and principles of design and the expressive qualities of various materials by using a range of media, processes, techniques, and styles. Students will use the creative and critical analysis processes and will interpret art within a personal, contemporary, and historical context.
Elective Course / 0.5 Credit
Rockway Highlights:
- Explore drawing, painting and printmaking
- Be creative in a supportive studio setting, where ideas and effort are valued equal to technical skill
- Take the opportunity to express yourself in every project
- Visit the McMichael Canadian Art Collection
BEM1O
Building the Entrepreneurial Mindset, 9
In this course, students will learn what makes an entrepreneur thrive and the skills required to succeed in today’s business environment. Students will begin to develop their own entrepreneurial mindset, and learn why it’s important to take initiative, adapt to change, find creative solutions, and understand the financial considerations of entrepreneurship. This hands-on course will use business software and applications to help students plan and develop their entrepreneurial ideas and learn how to present them to a target audience. Throughout the course, students will enhance their communications skills as well as develop and refine their project management skills, including goal setting, time management, and networking.
Elective Course / 0.5 Credit
Rockway Highlights:
- Create a personal business skills portfolio
- Learn from guest speakers about the processes, benefits and challenges of entrepreneurship
- Discover and apply technology to organize, plan and complete projects
CGC1W
Canadian Geography, 9
This course builds on learning in Grades 7 and 8 in geography. Students will explore relationships within and between Canada’s natural and human systems and how they interconnect with other parts of the world. Students will also examine environmental and economic issues, and their impact related to topics such as natural resources and industries, careers, land use and responsible development, and sustainability. In addition, students will understand the connections that diverse communities and individuals have with the physical environment and each other throughout Canada, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit perspectives. Students will apply geographic thinking, use the geographic inquiry process, and use geospatial technologies throughout their investigations.
Required Course / 1 Credit
Rockway Highlights:
- Explore Geospatial Technologies
- Learn how to use a compass
- Create 3D models of landform regions
ENL1W
English, 9
This course enables students to continue to develop and consolidate the foundational knowledge and skills that they need for reading, writing, and oral and visual communication. Throughout the course, students will continue to enhance their media literacy and critical literacy skills, and to develop and apply transferable skills, including digital literacy. Students will also make connections to their lived experiences and to society and increase their understanding of the importance of language and literacy across the curriculum.
Required Course / 1 Credit
Rockway Highlights:
- Go to a Stratford Production
- Write your own short story
- Feature your modern adaptation of Twelfth Night in the Rockway Famous “Roscars”
FSF1D
Core French, 9
This course provides opportunities for students to communicate and interact in French with increasing independence, with a focus on familiar topics related to their daily lives. Students will develop their skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing by using language learning strategies introduced in the elementary Core French program, and will apply creative and critical thinking skills in various ways. They will also enhance their understanding and appreciation of diverse French-speaking communities, and will develop skills necessary for lifelong language learning.
Prerequisite: Minimum of 600 hours of French instruction, or equivalent.
Required Course / 1 Credit
Rockway Highlights:
- Further develop fundamental French skills
- Guided and structured interactive settings
- Discover diverse French-speaking communities
HRE1O
Religious Studies, 9
Students in grade 9 will be opened to an “upside down” way of seeing and understanding themselves and their world. They do so by engaging the Bible’s vision for humankind. In the process, students are invited to try on new lenses for shaping their own self-understanding, world-view and commitments. This course challenges their assumptions and invites them to see their world, identity and roles in new and upside-down ways. Our commitment is to help them to see the Biblical vision as radically relevant to their lives as they read, discuss, raise questions and grow in their ability to be critical and creative thinkers on their own journey of faith.
Required Course / 0.5 Credit
MTH1W
Mathematics, 9
This course enables students to consolidate, and continue to develop, an understanding of mathematical concepts related to number sense and operations, algebra, measurement, geometry, data, probability, and financial literacy. Students will use mathematical processes, mathematical modelling, and coding to make sense of the mathematics they are learning and to apply their understanding to culturally responsive and relevant real-world situations. Students will continue to enhance their mathematical reasoning skills, including proportional reasoning, spatial reasoning, and algebraic reasoning, as they solve problems and communicate their thinking.
Required Course / 1 Credit
Rockway Highlights:
- Build skills like collaboration and perseverance in our thinking classroom
- Solve problems each day collectively and individually
- Use technology like spreadsheets, coding software, and Desmos to analyze linear relations and assist with financial decisions
- Share the importance and historical significance of different number concepts from a variety of cultures
- Work towards the goal is to make sure we are THINKING every day!
PPL1O
Healthy Active Living Education, 9
This course equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to make healthy choices now and lead healthy, active lives in the future. Through participation in a wide range of physical activities, students develop knowledge and skills related to movement competence and personal fitness that provide a foundation for active living. Students also acquire an understanding of the factors and skills that contribute to healthy development and learn how their own well-being is affected by, and affects the world around them. Students build their sense of self, learn to interact positively with others, and develop their ability to think critically and creatively.
Required Course / 1 Credit
Rockway Highlights:
- Take a full year course that alternates with grade 9 Vocal
- Explore a variety of physical activities, with a focus on team sports, group challenges and cooperation
- Develop practical fitness and health skills
- Strengthen teamwork and communication
- Build confidence and personal resilience
- Focus on lifelong healthy living
SNC1W
Science, 9
This course enables students to develop their understanding of concepts related to biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth and space science, and to relate science to technology, society, and the environment. Throughout the course, students will develop and refine their STEM skills as they use scientific research, scientific experimentation, and engineering design processes to investigate concepts and apply their knowledge in situations that are relevant to their lives and communities. Students will continue to develop transferable skills as they become scientifically literate global citizens.
Required Course / 1 Credit
Rockway Highlights:
We will be looking at FOUR areas of science:
- Biology – Exploring the variety of ecosystems found locally and around the word
- Chemistry – Explore the properties of the elements on the periodic table through experimentation and observation.
- Physics – Explore the world of electricity by building circuits, generating static electricity and learning more about how our electricity is generated in the KW area
- Space Exploration – Learn more about planets, galaxies and human exploration beyond Earth
TAS1O
Technology and the Skilled Trades, 9
This hands-on course enables students to further explore the engineering design process and develop other technological knowledge and skills introduced in earlier grades. Students will design and safely create prototypes, products, and/or services, working with tools and technologies from various industries. As students develop their projects to address real-life problems, they will apply technological concepts such as precision measurement, as well as health and safety standards. Students will begin to explore job skills programs and education and training pathways, including skilled trades, that can lead to a variety of careers.
Rockway Highlights:
Rockway offers a series of focus courses that fall under the umbrella of the TAS1O course. See the full list of grade 9 technology courses that follow.
TCJ1O
Construction Technology and the Skilled Trades, 9 (Construction)
This focus course introduces students to concepts and skills related to advanced building automation, building science, construction management and systems, legal and regulatory processes, material science, and resource sustainability.
Elective Course / 0.5 Credit
TEJ1O
Computer Technology and the Skilled Trades, 9
This exploratory course introduces students to concepts and skills in computer technology, which encompasses computer systems, networking, interfacing, and programming, as well as electronics and robotics. Students will develop an awareness of related environmental and societal issues and will begin to explore secondary and post-secondary pathways leading to careers in the field.
Elective Course / 0.5 Credit
Rockway Highlights:
- Build a knowledgeable foundation of computer applications and software that are used in business settings
- Develop skills and best practices in word processing, presentations, spreadsheets, and website design
- Discuss issues relevant to business, healthy ergonomics, internet safety, digital citizenship, and ethical decision-making
NOTE: This course counts toward the required grade 9 or 10 Technology Credit for the OSSD
TFJ1O
Exploring Hospitality and Tourism, 9 (Foods)
This exploratory course introduces students to concepts and skills related to hospitality and tourism, focusing on the areas of food handling, food preparation, the origins of foods, event planning, and local tourism. Students will develop an awareness of related environmental and societal issues, and will begin to explore secondary and post-secondary pathways leading to careers in the field.
Elective Course / 0.5 Credit
Rockway Highlights:
- Learn basic life skills: how to use knives safely, cutting techniques, how to prevent foodborne illnesses, make nutritious food choices and how to read food labels.
- Practice various cooking and baking techniques during our kitchen labs.
- Watch documentaries highlighting different food practices around the globe.
- Discuss current food issues such as food sovereignty, hunger and food insecurity.
- Create a food product and advertising campaign and a home-cooked meal for friends and family.
TMJ1O
Exploring Manufacturing Technology, 9 (Robotics)
This exploratory course introduces students to concepts and skills related to manufacturing technology, which encompasses technical drawing, properties and preparation of materials, manufacturing techniques, and control systems. Students will develop an awareness of related environmental and societal issues, and will begin to explore secondary and postsecondary pathways leading to careers in the field.
Elective Course / 0.5 Credit
Rockway Highlights:
- Explore safety and tools in a woodshop setting
- Build hands-on work skills with tools and equipment
- Solve design challenges using the problem-solving process
- Design and build various projects out of wood and related materials
- Build a robotic car
- Learn to code in Arduino
Use 3D drawing software to design and create custom parts - Control your robot with Bluetooth and/or infrared technology
NOTE: This course counts toward the required grade 9 or 10 Technology Credit for the OSSD
